We found the eagles 🦅

Happy Monday, beautiful people of Calgary!

I hope you had a great weekend. January is almost up, and even though there are still two months of cold ahead, it feels like winter is dashing by with extreme speed. Maybe that is why the excitement for the Chinook Blast festival starting this Sunday feels so high.

On another note, the resurgence of the eagles is definitely something to celebrate—it is just great news to start the week.

You will also notice not one, but two stories today involving AI. This newsletter is not about technology and never will be. This newsletter is about community and living the best life in the city we love. However, AI can’t be completely ignored. It is impacting lives enough that the conversation needs to happen. Take a look at the news items below; I don't know exactly how we will tackle that topic in the future, but it is definitely on our radar.

Finally, the poll results are in: 78% of you voted for introducing the Calgary Scoop referral program so we can show our appreciation for you sharing this newsletter with your friends, family, or random people in Facebook groups. We are currently planning what gifts to offer, so if you have ideas, please hit reply and let us know. We would be happy for any suggestions.

Let's get to it.

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The Bearspaw pipe replacement is hitting the gas. The City has decided that "sooner" is better than "later" for the Bearspaw South Feeder Main. Crews are mobilizing this week to start the expedited construction of a new steel parallel pipe. You will see heavy equipment at Edworthy Park and Shouldice Park immediately. The goal is to have the new line running by December, which means a year of construction but (hopefully) a secure water supply. Read the plans

The Bow River is an eagle highway. If you have looked up near the river lately and thought, "That bird is huge," you aren't imagining things. Bald eagle sightings are skyrocketing across the city. The latest Christmas Bird Count tallied over 400 eagles in the area—a number that local naturalists say was impossible a few decades ago. Your best bet to spot one is currently Carburn Park, where they are nesting right in the city. See the photos

Get paid to learn the future (or hire someone who does). Calgary Economic Development is putting $3 million into a program called TalentED to match young Calgarians (18–24) with local employers. The program covers digital skills training (specifically AI) and offers wage subsidies to the businesses that hire them. If you run a small business, this is your chance to get tech help on the payroll for less. See the details

The "People's Consultation" on AI is now open. Civil liberty groups are arguing that the federal government’s recent AI strategy talks were too cozy with big tech companies. In response, they have launched an independent "people's consultation" to gather real public opinion on how artificial intelligence should be regulated in Canada. If you worry about algorithms hiring people or data privacy, you have until March 15 to submit your thoughts. Join the conversation

This is Josie. She is an 11-month-old Pit Bull Terrier mix who is currently in her "teenager phase." Weighing in at 52 lbs, Josie is smart, high-energy, and ready to work. She already has "sit" mastered and is desperate to learn more, but she needs a handler who speaks her language.

She requires an adult-only home and a securely fenced yard because she has a lot of chase drive (sorry, no cats or small animals allowed). She is looking for an experienced owner who will commit to training. If you can provide structure and patience, she can be a brilliant companion.

How to adopt: Call City of Calgary Animal Services at 3-1-1. See her profile

Monday, January 26

Wranglers vs. Laval Rocket | The AHL squad plays their last home game of the month. Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m. Tickets
Penguin Walk | The King Penguins take their daily march through the Zoo grounds. 10:30 a.m. Info
Servus Tube Park | The lanes at WinSport are open for evening tubing. 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Tickets
Kids Celebrate! | A hands-on exhibit about how different cultures celebrate all around the world at Heritage Park (Gasoline Alley). 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Info
Military History Trivia Night | A unique trivia event hosted by Valour Canada at the historic Mewata Armoury. 8:00 p.m. Info

Tuesday, January 27

Monstress | A new thriller at Vertigo Theatre. Tuesday is "Talkback" night with the cast. 7:30 p.m. Tickets
Don't Let the Robots Win | A hands-on workshop at Platform Calgary about prototyping without using AI prompts. 6:00 p.m. Register

Wednesday, January 28

Hitmen vs. Oil Kings | The "Battle of Alberta" returns to the Dome. Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m. Tickets
Your Show Here | Daniel MacIvor’s intimate new play opens at the Big Secret Theatre. 7:30 p.m. Tickets
Almost Noise | A "mini-orchestra" concert at the Cathedral Church. 12:00 p.m. Info
Bloodlust Summertime | A messy, magical coming-of-age story at the Motel Theatre. 7:30 p.m. Tickets

Thursday–Sunday Lookahead

Chinook Blast (Fri) | The winter festival launches with light installations at Eau Claire Plaza. Details
Hansel & Gretel (Sat) | Calgary Opera opens their new production (with puppets!) at the Jubilee. Tickets
Flames vs. Sharks (Sat) | A matinee game at the Dome. Puck drop is at 2:00 p.m. Tickets
Girls in Jazz Gala (Sat) | The 2026 Gala Concert features the Ostara Project at Studio Bell. 7:00 p.m. Tickets